Julian Alvarez gave an interview on Manchester City’s official website and had his say on Pep Guardiola’s policy of having competition in every position. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a bright start to life at City, scoring three goals in just 349 minutes of football across the board this season, but he’s only started only one game.
New-boy Erling Haaland has taken the Premier League by storm since joining from Borussia Dortmund this summer, scoring 14 goals from 10 games, so Alvarez has had to be patient for opportunities. Nevertheless, he’s staying positive about the situation.
He said: “In every team there is internal competition but healthy competition like this. It is always good to compete and to share the locker room with the best players in the world. You learn and you grow a lot. And I’m here to do those things.”
The 22-year-old scored 54 goals with 31 assists from 122 games at River Plate, so City are fully aware of Alvarez’s quality. He’s a natural centre-forward but has been used in a wider role as Haaland has been un-droppable this season. Alvarez has averaged a goal every 83 minutes despite the majority of appearances coming from the bench, so he looks a shrewd signing.
He’ll no doubt hope to be given more opportunities as the season goes on. Guardiola will relish having a talented deputy in Alvarez when Haaland isn’t available.
In other news, Jack Grealish makes decision on Man City future
Can you name these Man City players from the 2000s? Test your knowledge, take the quiz and challenge your friends and family to beat your score